UW Men’s Basketball Signs Ford Parks Through Team IMPACT
October 17, 2023 | Men's Basketball
SEATTLE – Today, the University of Washington announced a new team member, signing seven-year-old Ford Parks through Team IMPACT.
Ford, who is battling a rare genetic disorder, officially signed with the Huskies on Tuesday. He will participate in many activities with the team, including practices, games and other team events over the next two years.
"Today is a really special day, because we get to welcome a new member of our Husky family," said Head Coach Mike Hopkins. "Our program is built around toughness, grittiness, and togetherness. Ford is seven and he's already overcome more adversity than most people do their whole lives. He proves every day how tough, hardworking, and full of joy he is and we are excited to welcome him as part of our team."
Team IMPACT, a national non-profit organization, has developed a unique multiyear program that matches children facing serious illness and disability with college athletic teams across the country. Based on a clinical model, Team IMPACT guides a symbiotic relationship between teams and children focused on socialization, empowerment, and resilience.
The University of Washington has worked with Team IMPACT for the past 5 years, matching several children across its softball, women's basketball, and men's soccer programs.
About Team IMPACT
Team IMPACT's unique multiyear program signs children facing serious illness and disability onto college athletic teams across the country. Based on a clinical model, Team IMPACT guides a symbiotic relationship between teams and children focused on socialization, empowerment, and resilience, ensuring everyone involved has the personalized game plan they need to win – effectively building confidence and independence. Founded in 2011, Team IMPACT has matched more than 3,000 children with 750+ colleges and universities in all 50 states, impacting more than 75,000 student-athletes. If you know a child or team who may be interested, please visit www.teamimpact.org.
Ford, who is battling a rare genetic disorder, officially signed with the Huskies on Tuesday. He will participate in many activities with the team, including practices, games and other team events over the next two years.
"Today is a really special day, because we get to welcome a new member of our Husky family," said Head Coach Mike Hopkins. "Our program is built around toughness, grittiness, and togetherness. Ford is seven and he's already overcome more adversity than most people do their whole lives. He proves every day how tough, hardworking, and full of joy he is and we are excited to welcome him as part of our team."
Team IMPACT, a national non-profit organization, has developed a unique multiyear program that matches children facing serious illness and disability with college athletic teams across the country. Based on a clinical model, Team IMPACT guides a symbiotic relationship between teams and children focused on socialization, empowerment, and resilience.
The University of Washington has worked with Team IMPACT for the past 5 years, matching several children across its softball, women's basketball, and men's soccer programs.
About Team IMPACT
Team IMPACT's unique multiyear program signs children facing serious illness and disability onto college athletic teams across the country. Based on a clinical model, Team IMPACT guides a symbiotic relationship between teams and children focused on socialization, empowerment, and resilience, ensuring everyone involved has the personalized game plan they need to win – effectively building confidence and independence. Founded in 2011, Team IMPACT has matched more than 3,000 children with 750+ colleges and universities in all 50 states, impacting more than 75,000 student-athletes. If you know a child or team who may be interested, please visit www.teamimpact.org.
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